Commonwealth accused of cutting health funding

Victoria's Health Minister has accused the Federal Government of planning to cut $40 million out of the state's health budget.

David Davis says his department has received a briefing showing that the Federal Government is considering revising its distribution of health funding between the states based on new population figures.

Mr Davis says the figures incorrectly suggest that Victoria's population has decreased.

"Seizing on one data set to try and massage down what the Commonwealth is due to pay, is not the way to go," he said.

"Victorian patients will be the losers. Our hospitals and health services will have money stripped from them by the Commonwealth deciding not to pay up on its obligations."

He says Victorians would be surprised to learn that the Commonwealth suggesting the population of Victoria fell by 11,000 last year.

"Most Victorians know that the population is increasing and know that there are more houses that are being built, more people coming into the state," he said.

"That means the health funding should have increased in the predictable way."

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